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Should I go on the DESMOND course?

lucylocket61

lucylocket61

Expert
Messages
6,394
Location
Wrexham
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
I have had a letter today offering me a place on a DESMOND course. The leaflet inside recommended I have starchy food with every meal and listed bread, rice, potatoes etc. And to eat 5 portions of fruit and veg a day. All things I know can show spike my blood sugar levels. Although, of coure, I am not testing.......as per nurses instructions.... :shh:

So should I go? Will I learn anything useful or will i get told off for low carbing and be told wrong info?

After 3 weeks low-carbing (under 100g a day) I am getting in the 5's for the first time ever. But I can only tell you guys.
 
Might be worth going-even if it's just to report back on here your review on it that other people who haven't been on the course(Like myself :mrgreen: ) might find useful. :thumbup:
 
Entirely your choice Lucy, like so many things, it is up to the individual.

After I was diagnosed, there was brief mention of sending me on a course which was out of the question, I was a full time carer for my daughter and couldn't spare the time involved to go. If I was offered the option again I would give it careful thought and gather as much as info as possible before making my mind up.

I told both my GP and my practice nurse that I had been testing and that I would continue to do so as long as possible. I disagree with the practice policy of no testing for Type 2's and cannot see why I should feel like a naughty schoolgirl and have to keep it a secret!

I would suggest you that go and go with an open mind.. You may well learn something and you can always disregard information that you disagree with.
 
I went on the Scottish equivalent-the Xpert course.

It was all the usual dietary advice but I just let that part of it go in one ear and out the other! I am still glad that I went on the course though because it covered more than just dietary advice and there was time to discuss individual problems and share experiences. I wouldn't say it's a course that you MUST go on but if you have the spare time to attend then you have nothing to lose. It's an individual choice-you might gain out of it and you might not. I'm glad I went on it but at the same time I wouldn't have missed much if I hadn't attended. I have learned alot more from this forum and all the helpful, friendly, experienced people on it.
 
Go out of curiosity and keep doing what works for you. I'd love it if someone would ask a dietician if they routinely advise Coeliacs to eat gluten?
Hana
 
I attended the Desmond Course earlier this year. Initially I was a very reluctant attendee - I went because I didn't wish to be seen by the medics as non-compliant, difficult and argumentative. To my surprise I found the course really helpful, it covered diabetes (cause, diet, medication, complications) in a simplified but not dumbed down way, all queries raised were answered.

The course drew my attention to two things: Firstly, inequality of care - my GP gave me a blood glucose monitor and prescribes blood glucose monitoring sticks, some people said they have to pay for them and others are still reliant on urine testing. Secondly, I was very shocked to learn that some people with Type 2 diabetes require really very hefty doses of insulin in addition to tablets such as metformin to control blood sugar levels.

I left the day with a reinforced intention to a) continue keeping a daily food intake diary - it draws attention to between meal snacks and the actual quantity of food consumed, b) maintain my daily 30 minute exercise regime. c) monitor post prandial blood sugar levels
 
I have been offered a place, and I declined, due to the fact I would rather come here and get my information. My GP who as I have posted about is supportive in all I do, suggested that I probably wouldn't get anything out of it anyway.

I say go if you feel it will aid you in some/any way. Attending these courses is a very person decision. Each of us has to do what we feel is right for us.
 
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